[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 4]
[Revised as of October 1, 2003]
[CITE: 49CFR212]
[Page 82-92]
TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER II--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PART 212--STATE SAFETY PARTICIPATION REGULATIONS
Subpart A--General
Sec.
212.1 Purpose and scope.
212.3 Definitions.
212.5 Filing.
Subpart B--State/Federal Roles
212.101 Program principles.
212.103 Investigative and surveillance authority.
212.105 Agreements.
212.107 Certification.
212.109 Joint planning of inspections.
212.111 Monitoring and other inspections.
212.113 Program termination.
212.115 Enforcement actions.
Subpart C--State Inspection Personnel
212.201 General qualifications of State inspection personnel.
212.203 Track inspector.
212.205 Apprentice track inspector.
212.207 Signal and train control inspector.
212.209 Train control inspector.
212.211 Apprentice signal and train control inspector.
212.213 Motive power and equipment (MP&E) inspector.
212.215 Locomotive inspector.
212.217 Car inspector.
212.219 Apprentice MP&E inspector.
212.221 Operating practices inspector.
212.223 Operating practices compliance inspector.
212.225 Apprentice operating practices inspector.
212.227 Hazardous materials inspector.
212.229 Apprentice hazardous materials inspector.
212.231 Highway-rail grade crossing inspector.
212.233 Apprentice highway-rail grade crossing inspector.
212.235 Inapplicable qualification requirements.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 20103, 20106, 20105, and 20113 (formerly secs.
202, 205, 206, and 208, of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970, as
amended (45 U.S.C. 431, 434, 435, and 436)); and 49 CFR 1.49.
Source: 47 FR 41051, Sept. 16, 1982, unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A--General
Sec. 212.1 Purpose and scope.
This part establishes standards and procedures for State
participation in investigative and surveillance activities under the
Federal railroad safety laws and regulations.
Sec. 212.3 Definitions.
As used in this part:
(a) Administrator means the Federal Railroad Administrator or the
Deputy Administrator or the delegate of either of them.
(b) Associate Administrator means the Associate Administrator for
Safety, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), or the Deputy Associate
Administrator for Safety, FRA.
(c) FRA means the Federal Railroad Administration.
(d) Federal railroad safety laws means the following enactments,
together with regulations and orders issued under their authority:
(1) The Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970, as amended (45 U.S.C.
421, 431-441);
(2) The Safety Appliance Acts, as amended (45 U.S.C. 1-16);
(3) The Locomotive Inspection Act, as amended (45 U.S.C. 22-34);
(4) The Signal Inspection Act, as amended (49 U.S.C. 26);
(5) The Accident Reports Act, as amended (45 U.S.C. 38-42);
(6) The Hours of Service Act, as amended (45 U.S.C. 61-64(b); and
(7) The Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 app. U.S.C. 1801
et seq.), as it pertains to shipment or transportation by railroad.
(e) Manufacturer means a person that manufactures, fabricates,
marks, maintains, reconditions, repairs, or tests containers which are
represented, marked, certified, or sold for use in the bulk
transportation of hazardous materials by railroad.
(f) Shipper means a person that offers a hazardous material for
transportation or otherwise causes it to be transported.
(g) Planned compliance inspections means investigative and
surveillance activities described in the annual work plan required by
Sec. 212.109 of this part that provide basic surveillance of railroad
facilities, equipment and/or operations for the purpose of determining
the level of compliance with relevant Federal safety requirements.
[47 FR 41051, Sept. 16, 1982, as amended at 57 FR 28115, June 24, 1992]
[[Page 83]]
Sec. 212.5 Filing.
Each State agency desiring to conduct investigative and surveillance
activities must submit to the Associate Administrator for Safety,
Federal Railroad Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC
20590, the documentation which contains the information prescribed by
Secs. 212.105 and 212.107.
Subpart B--State/Federal Roles
Sec. 212.101 Program principles.
(a) The purpose of the national railroad safety program is to
promote safety in all areas of railroad operations in order to reduce
deaths, injuries and damage to property resulting from railroad
accidents.
(b)(1) The national railroad safety program is carried out in part
through the issuance of mandatory Federal safety requirements and
through inspection efforts designed to monitor compliance with those
requirements. FRA and State inspections determine the extent to which
the railroads, shippers, and manufacturers have fulfilled their
obligations with respect to inspection, maintenance, training, and
supervision. The FRA and participating States do not conduct inspections
of track, equipment, signal systems, operating practices, and hazardous
materials handling for the railroads, shippers, and manufacturers.
(2) The national railroad safety program is also carried out through
routine inspections, accident investigations, formal and informal
educational efforts, complaint investigations, safety assessments,
special inquiries, regulatory development, research and similar
initiatives.
(c) It is the policy of the FRA to maintain direct oversight of
railroad, shipper, and manufacturer conditions and practices relevant to
safety by conducting inspections and investigations in concert with
participating State agencies.
(d) The principal role of the State Safety Participation Program in
the national railroad safety effort is to provide an enhanced
investigative and surveillance capability through assumption, by
participating State agencies, of responsibility for planned routine
compliance inspections. The FRA encourages further State contributions
to the national railroad safety program consistent with overall program
needs, individual State capabilities, and the willingness of the States
to undertake additional investigative and surveillance activities.
(e) It is the policy of the FRA to promote the growth and vitality
of the State Safety Participation Program through liaison with State
government, coordination of Federal and State investigative and
surveillance activities, and training of inspection personnel.
[47 FR 41051, Sept. 16, 1982, as amended at 57 FR 28115, June 24, 1992]
Sec. 212.103 Investigative and surveillance authority.
(a) Subject to the requirements of this part, a State agency with
jurisdiction under State law may participate in investigative and
surveillance activities concerning Federal railroad safety laws and
regulations by entering into an agreement under Sec. 212.105 for the
exercise of specified authority.
(b) Subject to requirements of this part, a State agency with
jurisdiction under State law may participate in investigative and
surveillance activities with respect to particular rules, regulations,
orders or standards issued under the regulatory authority of the Federal
Railroad Safety Act of 1970 by filing an annual certification under
Sec. 212.107.
Sec. 212.105 Agreements.
(a) Scope. The principal method by which States may participate in
investigative and surveillance activities is by agreement with FRA. An
agreement may delegate investigative and surveillance authority with
respect to all or any part of the Federal railroad safety laws.
(b) Duration. An agreement may be for a fixed term or for an
indefinite duration.
(c) Amendments. An agreement may be amended to expand or contract
its scope by consent of FRA and the State.
(d) Common terms. Each agreement entered into under this section
provides that:
[[Page 84]]
(1) The State agency is delegated certain specified authority with
respect to investigative and surveillance activities;
(2) The delgation is effective only to the extent it is carried out
through personnel recognized by the State and the FRA (pursuant to
subpart C of this part) to be qualified to perform the particular
investigative and surveillance activities to which the personnel are
assigned; and
(3) The State agency agrees to provide the capability necessary to
assure coverage of facilities, equipment, and operating practices
through planned routine compliance inspections for all, or a specified
part of, the territory of the State.
(e) Request for agreement. A request for agreement shall contain the
following information:
(1) An opinion of the counsel for the State agency stating that:
(i) The agency has jurisdiction over the safety practices of the
facilities, equipment, rolling stock, and operations of railroads in
that State and whether the agency has jurisdiction over shippers and
manufacturers;
(ii) The agency has the authority and capability to conduct
investigative and surveillance activities in connection with the rules,
regulations, orders, and standards issued by the Administrator under the
Federal railroad safety laws; and
(iii) State funds may be used for this purpose.
(2) A statement that the State agency has been furnished a copy of
each Federal safety statute, rule, regulation, order, or standard
pertinent to the State's participation;
(3) The names of the railroads operating in the State together with
the number of miles of main and branch lines operated by each railroad
in the State;
(4) The name, title and telephone number of the person designated by
the agency to coordinate the program; and
(5) A description of the organization, programs, and functions of
the agency with respect to railroad safety.
(f) Developmental agreement. Consistent with national program
requirements, the Associate Administrator may enter into an agreement
under this section prior to the qualification of inspection personnel of
the State under subpart C of this part. In such a case, the agreement
shall (1) specify the date at which the State will assume investigative
and surveillance duties, and (2) refer to any undertaking by the FRA to
provide training for State inspection personnel, including a schedule
for the training courses that will be made available.
(g) Action on request. The Associate Administrator responds to a
request for agreement by entering into an agreement based on the
request, by declining the request, or by suggesting modifications.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number
2130-0509)
[47 FR 41051, Sept. 16, 1982, as amended at 57 FR 28115, June 24, 1992]
Sec. 212.107 Certification.
(a) Scope. In the event the FRA and the State agency do not agree on
terms for the participation of the State under Sec. 212.105 of this part
and the State wishes to engage in investigative and surveillance
activities with respect to any rule, regulation, order, or standard
issued under the authority of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970,
the State shall file an annual certification with respect to such
activities.
(b) Content. The annual certification shall be filed not less than
60 days before the beginning of the Federal fiscal year to which it
applies, shall contain the information required by Sec. 212.105(e) of
this part and, in addition, shall certify that:
(1) The State agency has the authority and capability to conduct
investigative and surveillance activities under the requirements of this
part with respect to each rule, regulation, order or standard for which
certification is submitted; and
(2) The State agency will, at a minimum, conduct planned compliance
inspections meeting the level of effort prescribed in the applicable
appendix to this part.
(c) Action on certification. The Associate Administrator responds to
the filing of an annual certification within 60 days of its receipt by
accepting it or by rejecting it for cause stated.
[[Page 85]]
(d) Delegation of authority. Acceptance of an annual certification
constitutes a delegation of authority to conduct investigative and
surveillance activities only to the extent that the delegation is
carried out through personnel recognized by the State and the FRA
(pursuant to subpart C of this part) to be qualified to perform the
particular investigative and surveillance activities to which the
personnel are assigned.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number
2130-0509)
Sec. 212.109 Joint planning of inspections.
Prior to the beginning of each calendar year, each participating
State applying for grant assistance under subpart D of this part shall
develop, in conjunction with the FRA Regional Director of the region in
which the State is located, an annual work plan for the conduct of
investigative and surveillance activities by the State agency. The plan
shall include a program of inspections designed to monitor the
compliance of the railroads, shippers, and manufacturers operating
within the State (or portion thereof) with applicable Federal railroad
safety laws and regulations. In the event the participating State and
the FRA Regional Director cannot agree on an annual work plan, the
Associate Administrator for Safety shall review the matter.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number
2130-0509)
[57 FR 28115, June 24, 1992]
Sec. 212.111 Monitoring and other inspections.
(a) It is the policy of the FRA to monitor State investigative and
surveillance practices at the program level.
(b) It is the policy of the FRA to coordinate its direct inspection
and investigative functions in participating States with the responsible
State agency, providing prior advice to the States whenever practicable.
(c) The FRA may conduct such monitoring of State investigative and
surveillance practices and such other inspection and investigation as
may be necessary to aid in the enforcement of the Federal railroad
safety laws.
Sec. 212.113 Program termination.
(a) A State agency participating in investigative and surveillance
activities by agreement or certification shall provide thirty (30) days
notice of its intent to terminate its participation.
(b) The Administrator may, on his own initiative, terminate the
participation of a State agency if, after at least thirty (30) days
notice an opportunity for oral hearing under section 553 of title 5
U.S.C., the State agency does not establish that it has complied and is
complying with:
(1) The requirements of this part;
(2) Relevant directives, enforcement manuals, and written
interpretations of law and regulations provided by the FRA for guidance
of the program; and
(3) The rule of national uniformity of laws, rules, regulations,
orders, and standards relating to railroad safety as expressed in
section 205 of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 (45 U.S.C. 434).
Sec. 212.115 Enforcement actions.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the FRA
reserves exclusive authority to assess and compromise penalties, to
issue emergency orders and compliance orders, institute or cause to be
instituted actions for collection of civil penalties or for injunctive
relief, and to commence any and all other enforcement actions under the
Federal railroad safety laws.
(b)(1) Section 207(a) of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970, as
amended (45 U.S.C. 436(a)), authorizes a participating State to bring an
action for assessment and collection of a civil penalty in a Federal
district court of proper venue, if the FRA has not acted on a request
for civil penalty assessment originated by the State, within sixty (60)
days of receipt, by assessing the penalty or by determining in writing
that no violation occurred.
(2) Section 207(b) of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970, as
amended (45 U.S.C. 436(b)), authorizes a participating State to bring an
action for injunctive relief in a Federal district court of proper
venue, if the FRA has not acted on a request to initiate such
[[Page 86]]
an action within fifteen (15) days of receipt, by referring the matter
to the Attorney General for litigation, by undertaking other enforcement
action, or by determining in writing that no violation has occurred.
(3) For purposes of this paragraph, a request for legal action is
deemed to be received when a legally sufficient investigative report
specifying the action requested is received by the designated FRA
offices.
(c)(1) Requests for civil penalty assessments and other
administrative actions shall be submitted to the FRA Regional Director
for Railroad Safety for the FRA region in which the State is located.
(2) Requests for the institution of injunctive actions shall be
submitted simultaneously to (i) the FRA Regional Director for Railroad
Safety for the FRA region in which the State is located and (ii) the
Enforcement Division, Office of Chief Counsel, FRA, Washington, DC
20590.
Subpart C--State Inspection Personnel
Sec. 212.201 General qualifications of State inspection personnel.
(a) This subpart prescribes the minimum qualification requirements
for State railroad safety inspectors, compliance inspectors and
inspector apprentices. A State agency may establish more stringent or
additional requirements for its employees.
(b) An inspector, compliance inspector, or apprentice inspector
shall be recognized as qualified under this part by the State agency and
the Associate Administrator prior to assuming the responsibilities of
the position.
(c) Each inspector, compliance inspectors and apprentice inspector
shall be a bona fide employee of the State agency.
(d) Each inspector, compliance inspector, and apprentice inspector
shall demonstrate:
(1) The ability to read and comprehend written materials such as
training and enforcement manuals, regulations, operating and safety
rules of the railroad, and similar materials;
(2) The ability to compose narrative reports of investigative
findings that are clear, complete, and grammatically acceptable;
(3) The ability to record data on standard report forms with a high
degree of accuracy;
(4) The ability to communicate orally; and
(5) Basic knowledge of rail transportation functions, the
organization of railroad, shipper, and manufacturer companies, and
standard industry rules for personal safety.
(e) Each inspector shall demonstrate a thorough knowledge of:
(1) Railroad rules, practices, record systems, and terminology
common to operating and maintenance functions; and
(2) The scope and major requirements of all of the Federal railroad
safety laws and regulations.
(f) In addition to meeting the requirements of this section, each
inspector and apprentice inspector shall meet the applicable
requirements of Secs. 212.203 through 212.229 of this subpart.
[47 FR 41051, Sept. 16, 1982, as amended at 57 FR 28115, June 24, 1992]
Sec. 212.203 Track inspector.
(a) The track inspector is required, at a minimum, to be able to
conduct independent inspections of track structures for the purpose of
determining compliance with the Track Safety Standards (49 CFR part
213), to make reports of those inspections, and to recommend the
institution of enforcement actions when appropriate to promote
compliance.
(b) The track inspector is required, at a minimum to have at least
four years of recent experience in track construction or maintenance. A
bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical specialization
may be substituted for two of the four years of this experience
requirement and successful completion of the apprentice training program
may be substituted for the four years of this experience requirement.
(c) The track inspector shall demonstrate the following specific
qualifications:
(1) A comprehensive knowledge of track nomenclature, track
inspection techniques, track maintenance methods, and track equipment;
[[Page 87]]
(2) The ability to understand and detect deviations from:
(i) Track maintenance standards accepted in the industry; and
(ii) The Track Safety Standards (49 CFR part 213).
(3) Knowledge of operating practices and vehicle/track interaction
sufficient to understand the safety significance of deviations and
combinations of deviations; and
(4) Specialized knowledge of the requirements of the Track Safety
Standards, including the remedial action required to bring defective
track into compliance with the standards.
Sec. 212.205 Apprentice track inspector.
(a) The apprentice track inspector must be enrolled in a program of
training prescribed by the Associate Administrator leading to
qualification as a track inspector. The apprentice track inspector may
not participate in investigative and surveillance activities, except as
an assistant to a qualified State or FRA inspector while accompanying
that qualified inspector.
(b) An apprentice track inspector shall demonstrate basic knowledge
of track inspection techniques, track maintenance methods, and track
equipment prior to being enrolled in the program.
Sec. 212.207 Signal and train control inspector.
(a) The signal and train control inspector is required, at a
minimum, to be able to conduct independent inspections of all types of
signal and train control systems for the purpose of determining
compliance with the Rules, Standards and Instructions for Railroad
Signal Systems (49 CFR part 236), to make reports of those inspections,
and to recommend the institution of enforcement actions when appropriate
to promote compliance.
(b) The signal and train inspector is required, at a minimum, to
have at least four years of recent experience in signal construction or
maintenance. A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related
technical specialization may be substituted for two of the four years of
this experience requirement and successful completion of the apprentice
training program may be substituted for the four years of this
requirement.
(c) The signal and train control inspector shall demonstrate the
following specific qualifications:
(1) A comprehensive knowledge of signal and train control systems,
maintenance practices, test and inspection techniques;
(2) The ability to understand and detect deviations from:
(i) Signal and train control maintenance standards accepted in the
industry; and
(ii) The Rules, Standards and Instructions for Railroad Signal
Systems (49 CFR part 236).
(3) The ability to examine plans and records, to make inspections of
signal train control systems and to determine adequacy of stopping
distances from prescribed speeds;
(4) Knowledge of operating practices and signal systems sufficient
to understand the safety significance of deviations and combination of
deviations; and
(5) Specialized knowledge of the requirements of the Rules,
Standards and Instructions for Railroad Signal Systems, including the
remedial action required to bring signal and train control systems into
compliance with the standards.
Sec. 212.209 Train control inspector.
(a) The train control inspector is required, at a minimum, to be
able to conduct independent inspections of automatic cab signal,
automatic train stop, and automatic train control devices on board
locomotives for the purpose of determining compliance with subpart E of
the Rules, Standards and Instructions for Railroad Signal Systems (49
CFR part 236) and to recommend the institution of enforcement action
when appropriate to promote compliance.
(b) The train control inspector is required, at a minimum, to have
at least four years of recent experience in locomotive construction or
maintenance. A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related
technical specialization may be substituted for two of the four years of
this experience requirement and successful completion of the apprentice
training program may
[[Page 88]]
be substituted for the four year experience requirement.
(c) The train control inspector shall demonstrate the following
specific qualifications:
(1) A comprehensive knowledge of the various train control systems
used on board locomotives, locomotive air brake systems and test and
inspection procedures;
(2) The ability to understand and detect deviations from:
(i) Train control maintenance standards accepted in the industry;
and
(ii) Subpart E of the Rules, Standards and Instructions for Railroad
Signal Systems (49 CFR part 236);
(3) Knowledge of operating practices and train control systems
sufficient to understand the safety significance of deviations and
combinations of deviations; and
(4) Specialized knowledge of the requirements of subpart E of the
Rules, Standards and Instructions for Railroad Signal Systems, including
the remedial action required to bring train control systems used on
board locomotives into compliance with the standards.
Sec. 212.211 Apprentice signal and train control inspector.
(a) The apprentice signal and train control inspector must be
enrolled in a program of training prescribed by the Associate
Administrator leading to qualification as a signal and train control
inspector. The apprentice inspector may not participate in the
investigative and surveillance activities, except as an assistant to a
qualified State or FRA inspector while accompanying that qualified
inspector.
(b) Prior to being enrolled in the program the apprentice inspector
shall demonstrate:
(1) Working knowledge of basic electricity and the ability to use
electrical test equipment in direct current and alternating current
circuits; and
(2) A basic knowledge of signal and train control inspection and
maintenance methods and procedures.
Sec. 212.213 Motive power and equipment (MP&E) inspector.
(a) The MP&E inspector is required, at a minimum, to be able to
conduct independent inspections of railroad equipment for the purpose of
determining compliance with all sections of the Freight Car Safety
Standards (49 CFR part 215), Safety Glazing Standards (49 CFR part 223),
Locomotive Safety Standards (49 CFR part 229), Safety Appliance
Standards (49 CFR part 231), and Power Brake Standards (49 CFR part
232), to make reports of those inspections and to recommend the
institution of enforcement actions when appropriate to promote
compliance.
(b) The MP&E inspector is required, at a minimum, to have at least
four years of recent experience in the construction or maintenance of
railroad rolling equipment. A bachelor's degree in engineering or a
related technical specialization may be substituted for two of the four
years of this experience requirement and successful completion of the
apprentice training program may be substituted for the four year
experience requirement.
(c) The MP&E inspector shall demonstrate the following
qualifications:
(1) A comprehensive knowledge of construction, testing, inspecting
and repair of railroad freight cars, passenger cars, locomotives and air
brakes;
(2) The ability to understand and detect deviations from:
(i) Railroad equipment maintenance standards accepted in the
industry; and
(ii) The Freight Car Safety Standards, Safety Glazing Standards,
Locomotive Safety Standards, Safety Appliance Standards and Power Brake
Standards.
(3) The knowledge of railroad operating procedures associated with
the operation of freight cars, passenger cars, locomotives and air
brakes sufficient to understand the safety significance of deviations
and combinations of deviations; and
(4) Specialized knowledge of proper remedial action to be taken in
order to bring defective freight cars, passenger cars, locomotives, and
air brakes into compliance with applicable Federal standards.
Sec. 212.215 Locomotive inspector.
(a) The locomotive inspector is required, at a minimum, to be able
to
[[Page 89]]
conduct independent inspections of locomotives and air brake systems for
the purpose of determining compliance with applicable sections of the
Safety Glazing Standards (49 CFR part 223), Locomotive Safety Standards
(49 CFR part 229), Safety Appliance Standards (49 CFR part 231) and
Power Brake Standards (49 CFR part 232), to make reports of those
inspections and to recommend the institution of enforcement actions when
appropriate to promote compliance.
(b) The locomotive inspector is required, at a minimum, to have at
least four years of experience in locomotive construction or
maintenance. A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related
technical specialization may be substituted for two of the four years of
this experience requirement and successful completion of the apprentice
training program may be substituted for the four year experience
requirement.
(c) The locomotive inspector shall demonstrate the following
specific qualifications:
(1) A comprehensive knowledge of construction, testing, inspecting
and repair of locomotive and air brakes;
(2) The ability to understand and detect deviations from:
(i) Railroad equipment maintenance standards accepted in the
industry; and
(ii) Safety Glazing Standards, Locomotive Safety Standards, Safety
Appliance Standards and Power Brake Standards;
(3) The knowledge of railroad operating procedures associated with
the operation of locomotives and air brakes sufficient to understand the
safety significance of deviations and combinations of deviations; and
(4) Specialized knowledge of proper remedial action to be taken in
order to bring defective locomotives, and air brakes into compliance
with applicable Federal standards.
Sec. 212.217 Car inspector.
(a) The car inspector is required, at a minimum, to be able to
conduct independent inspections of railroad rolling stock for the
purpose of determining compliance with all sections of the Freight Car
Safety Standards (49 CFR part 215), Safety Glazing Standards (49 CFR
part 223), Safety Appliance Standards (49 CFR part 231) and Power Brake
Standards (49 CFR part 232), to make reports of those inspections and to
recommend the institution of enforcement actions when appropriate to
promote compliance.
(b) The car inspector is required, at a minimum, to have at least
two years of recent experience in freight car or passenger car
construction, maintenance or inspection. Successful completion of the
apprentice training program may be substituted for this two year
experience requirement.
(c) The car inspector shall demonstrate the following specific
qualifications:
(1) A comprehensive knowledge of the construction and testing of
freight and passenger cars and air brakes;
(2) The ability to understand and detect deviations from:
(i) Railroad freight and passenger car maintenance standards
accepted in the industry; and
(ii) The Freight Car Safety Standards (49 CFR part 215), Safety
Glazing Standards (49 CFR part 223), Safety Appliance Standards (49 CFR
part 231) and Power Brake Standards (49 CFR part 232);
(3) The knowledge of railroad operating procedures associated with
the operation of freight and passenger cars and air brakes sufficient to
understand the safety significance of deviations and combinations of
deviations; and
(4) Specialized knowledge of proper remedial action to be taken in
order to bring defective freight and passenger car equipment and air
brakes into compliance with applicable Federal standards.
Sec. 212.219 Apprentice MP&E inspector.
(a) The apprentice MP&E inspector must be enrolled in a program of
training prescribed by the Associate Administrator leading to
qualification as an MP&E inspector. The apprentice may not participate
in investigative and surveillance activities, except as an assistant to
a qualified State or FRA inspector while accompanying that qualified
inspector.
(b) An apprentice MP&E inspector shall demonstrate basic knowledge
of
[[Page 90]]
railroad equipment and air brake inspection, testing and maintenance,
prior to being enrolled in the program.
Sec. 212.221 Operating practices inspector.
(a) The operating practices inspector is required, at a minimum, to
be able to conduct independent inspections for the purpose of
determining compliance with all sections of the Federal operating
practice regulations (49 CFR parts 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 225 and 228)
and the Hours of Service Act (45 U.S.C. 61-64b), to make reports of
those inspections, and to recommend the institution of enforcement
actions when appropriate to promote compliance.
(b) The operating practices inspector is required at a minimum to
have at least four years of recent experience in developing or
administering railroad operating rules. Successful completion of the
apprentice training program may be substituted for this four year
experience requirement.
(c) The operating practices inspector shall demonstrate the
following specific qualifications:
(1) A comprehensive knowledge of railroad operating practices,
railroad operating rules, duties of railroad employees, and general
railroad nomenclature;
(2) The ability to understand and detect deviations from:
(i) Railroad operating rules accepted in the industry; and
(ii) Federal operating practice regulations;
(3) Knowledge of operating practices and rules sufficient to
understand the safety significance of deviations; and
(4) Specialized knowledge of the requirements of the Federal
operating practices regulations listed in paragraph (a) of this section,
including the remedial action required to bring railroad operations into
compliance with the regulations.
[47 FR 41051, Sept. 16, 1982, as amended at 50 FR 31578, Aug. 2, 1985]
Sec. 212.223 Operating practices compliance inspector.
(a) The operating practices compliance inspector is required, at a
minimum, to be able to conduct independent inspections for the purpose
of determining compliance with the requirements of the following:
(1) Operating Rules--blue flag (49 CFR part 218);
(2) Control of Alcohol and Drug Use (49 CFR part 219);
(3) Rear End Marking Device Regulations (49 CFR part 221);
(4) Railroad accidents/incidents: reports classification and
investigations (49 CFR part 225); and
(5) Hours of Service Act (45 U.S.C. 61-64b) and implementing
regulations (49 CFR part 228); to make reports of those inspections and
to recommend the institution of enforcement actions when appropriate to
promote compliance.
(b) The operating practices compliance inspector is required, at a
minimum, to have at least two years of recent experience in developing
or administering railroad operating rules. Successful completion of the
apprentice training program may be substituted for the two year
experience requirement.
(c) The compliance inspector shall demonstrate the following
specific qualifications.
(1) A basic knowledge of railroad operations, duties of railroad
employees and general railroad safety as it relates to the protection of
railroad employees;
(2) A basic knowledge of railroad rules and practices;
(3) The ability to understand and detect deviations from the
requirements cited in paragraph (a) of this section; and
(4) Specialized knowledge of the requirements of the Federal
operating practices regulations listed in paragraph (a) of this section,
including the remedial action required to bring defective conditions
into compliance with the applicable Federal standards.
[47 FR 41051, Sept. 16, 1982, as amended at 50 FR 31578, Aug. 2, 1985]
Sec. 212.225 Apprentice operating practices inspector.
(a) The apprentice operating practices inspector must be enrolled in
a program of training prescribed by the Associate Administrator leading
to qualification as an inspector. The apprentice inspector may not
participate
[[Page 91]]
in investigative and surveillance activities, except as an assistant to
a qualified State or FRA inspector while accompanying that qualified
inspector.
(b) An apprentice operating practices inspector shall demonstrate
basic knowledge of railroad operating practices, railroad operating
rules and general duties of railroad employees prior to being enrolled
in the program.
Sec. 212.227 Hazardous materials inspector.
(a) The hazardous materials inspector is required, at a minimum, to
be able to conduct independent inspections to determine compliance with
all pertinent sections of the Federal hazardous materials regulations
(49 CFR parts 171 through 174, and 179), to make reports of those
inspections and findings, and to recommend the institution of
enforcement actions when appropriate to promote compliance.
(b) The hazardous materials inspector is required, at a minimum, to
have at least two years of recent experience in developing,
administering, or performing managerial functions related to compliance
with the hazardous materials regulations; four years of recent
experience in performing functions related to compliance with the
hazardous materials regulations; or a bachelor's degree in a related
technical specialization. Successful completion of the apprentice
training program may be substituted for this requirement.
(c) The hazardous materials inspector shall demonstrate the
following specific qualifications:
(1) A comprehensive knowledge of the transportation and operating
procedures employed in the railroad, shipping, or manufacturing
industries associated with the transportation of hazardous materials;
(2) Knowledge and ability to understand and detect deviations from
the Department of Transportation's Hazardous Materials Regulations,
including Federal requirements and industry standards for the
manufacturing of bulk packaging used in the transportation of hazardous
materials by railroad;
(3) Knowledge of the physical and chemical properties and chemical
hazards associated with hazardous materials that are transported by
railroad;
(4) Knowledge of the proper remedial actions required to bring
railroad, shipper, and/or manufacturing facilities into compliance with
the Federal regulations; and
(5) Knowledge of the proper remedial actions required when a
hazardous materials transportation accident or incident occurs.
[57 FR 28115, June 24, 1992]
Sec. 212.229 Apprentice hazardous materials inspector.
(a) The apprentice hazardous materials inspector must be enrolled in
a program of training prescribed by the Associate Administrator for
Safety leading to qualification as a hazardous materials inspector. The
apprentice may not participate in investigative and surveillance
activities, except as an assistant to a qualified State or FRA inspector
while accompanying that qualified inspector.
(b) An apprentice hazardous materials inspector shall demonstrate a
basic knowledge of the chemical hazards associated with hazardous
materials that are transported by railroad, including requirements such
as shipping papers, marking, labeling, placarding, and the manufacturing
and maintenance of packagings associated with these shipments.
[57 FR 28116, June 24, 1992]
Sec. 212.231 Highway-rail grade crossing inspector.
(a) The highway-rail grade crossing inspector is required, at a
minimum, to be able to conduct independent inspections of all types of
highway-rail grade crossing warning systems for the purpose of
determining compliance with Grade Crossing Signal System Safety Rules
(49 CFR part 234), to make reports of those inspections, and to
recommend institution of enforcement actions when appropriate to promote
compliance.
(b) The highway-rail grade crossing inspector is required, at a
minimum, to have at least four years of recent experience in highway-
rail grade crossing
[[Page 92]]
construction or maintenance. A bachelor's degree in engineering or a
related technical specialization may be substituted for two of the four
years of this experience requirement. Successful completion of an
apprentice training program under Sec. 212.233 may be substituted for
the four years of this experience requirement.
(c) The highway-rail grade crossing inspector shall demonstrate the
following specific qualifications:
(1) A comprehensive knowledge of highway-rail grade crossing
nomenclature, inspection techniques, maintenance requirements, and
methods;
(2) The ability to understand and detect deviations from:
(i) Grade crossing signal system maintenance, inspection and testing
standards accepted in the industry; and
(ii) The Grade Crossing Signal System Safety Rules (49 CFR part
234);
(3) Knowledge of operating practices and highway-rail grade crossing
systems sufficient to understand the safety significance of deviations
and combinations of deviations from Sec. 212.231(c)(2) (i) and (ii);
(4) Specialized knowledge of the requirements of the Grade Crossing
Signal System Safety Rules (49 CFR part 234), including the remedial
action required to bring highway-rail grade crossing signal systems into
compliance with those Rules;
(5) Specialized knowledge of highway-rail grade crossing standards
contained in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices; and
(6) Knowledge of railroad signal systems sufficient to ensure that
highway-rail grade crossing warning systems and inspections of those
systems do not adversely affect the safety of railroad signal systems.
(d) A State signal and train control inspector qualified under this
part and who has demonstrated the ability to understand and detect
deviations from the Grade Crossing Signal System Safety Rules (49 CFR
part 234) is deemed to meet all requirements of this section and is
qualified to conduct independent inspections of all types of highway-
rail grade crossing warning systems for the purpose of determining
compliance with Grade Crossing Signal System Safety Rules (49 CFR part
234), to make reports of those inspections, and to recommend institution
of enforcement actions when appropriate to promote compliance.
[59 FR 50104, Sept. 30, 1994]
Sec. 212.233 Apprentice highway-rail grade crossing inspector.
(a) An apprentice highway-rail grade crossing inspector shall be
enrolled in a program of training prescribed by the Associate
Administrator for Safety leading to qualification as a highway-rail
grade crossing inspector. The apprentice inspector may not participate
in investigative and surveillance activities, except as an assistant to
a qualified State or FRA inspector while accompanying that qualified
inspector.
(b) Prior to being enrolled in the program the apprentice inspector
shall demonstrate:
(1) Working basic knowledge of electricity;
(2) The ability to use electrical test equipment in direct current
and alternating current circuits; and
(3) A basic knowledge of highway-rail grade crossing inspection and
maintenance methods and procedures.
[59 FR 50104, Sept. 30, 1994]
Sec. 212.235 Inapplicable qualification requirements.
The Associate Administrator may determine that a specific
requirement of this subpart is inapplicable to an identified position
created by a State agency if it is not relevant to the actual duties of
the position. The determination is made in writing.
[47 FR 41051, Sept. 16, 1982. Redesignated at 57 FR 28115, June 24,
1992. Further redesignated at 59 FR 50104, Sept. 30, 1994]